HEALTH & WELLNESS

TCM and IVF: What Research Says About Acupuncture and Herbs

Pregnant woman receiving a massage

Originally written by Grace Yu (Yu Hsin Tzu). Updated October 2026.

Quick answer: The best evidence does not show that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) raises IVF success rates. A Cochrane review found no evidence that acupuncture improves live birth or pregnancy rates in assisted conception, and a review of trials that compared real acupuncture with sham (placebo) acupuncture found no difference. Some reviews that compared acupuncture with no extra treatment report gains, so the evidence is mixed. Evidence on Chinese herbs is too limited to judge, and the NHS advises against herbal remedies when you are trying to get pregnant.

What affects IVF success?

  • Age: the woman’s age is one of the biggest factors. In the UK in 2024 (preliminary figures), births per embryo transferred using the patient’s own eggs were 38% for patients aged 18 to 34 and 8% for those aged 43 to 44.
  • Eggs and sperm: the number and quality of eggs and sperm affect results. An AMH blood test shows roughly how many eggs are left, but it can’t tell you about the health of your eggs. A semen analysis checks sperm.
  • The womb: conditions such as fibroids can sometimes make it harder to get pregnant.

Your fertility specialist is the best person to explain your own chances.

Acupuncture and IVF: what the trials show

  • Cochrane review: no evidence that acupuncture improves live birth or pregnancy rates in assisted conception, and no effect on miscarriage rates.
  • Against sham acupuncture: a 2021 review found no difference in pregnancy or live birth rates between real and sham acupuncture.
  • Against no extra treatment: a 2019 review found more pregnancies with acupuncture around the time of embryo transfer than with no extra treatment, but no difference against sham acupuncture, which may point to a placebo effect.
  • A 2025 review: it grouped different control treatments together and reported better results with acupuncture and with herbal medicine, but its trials varied widely and some had a high risk of bias. Overall, the evidence is mixed.

Acupuncture is generally safe when it is done properly by a trained practitioner using sterile, single use needles. If you want to try it, tell your IVF clinic before you start.

Chinese herbs and fertility

There is not enough good evidence to say whether Chinese herbal medicine helps fertility. A Cochrane review of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) found insufficient evidence of benefit, and too little information on safety. The NHS advises not taking herbal remedies if you are trying to get pregnant, as some can contain harmful substances such as lead.

Herbs can also interact with medicines, some herbs can harm the liver, and some products have been found to contain heavy metals or undeclared drugs.

How TCM describes fertility

In TCM theory, fertility is linked to the Kidney and Liver systems and to the flow of qi and blood. TCM practitioners describe patterns such as Kidney qi, yin or yang deficiency, Liver qi stagnation, phlegm damp and blood stasis. These describe TCM’s view of the body. They are not medical diagnoses, and they don’t replace tests and treatment from a fertility specialist.

If you are thinking about TCM during IVF

  • talk to your fertility specialist first
  • don’t take herbal remedies while trying to conceive or during pregnancy unless your doctor agrees
  • choose a qualified practitioner who uses sterile, single use needles
  • don’t delay medical fertility care, as age has a big effect on success

Frequently asked questions

Can Chinese herbs help IVF?

There is not enough good evidence. A Cochrane review in women with PCOS found insufficient evidence of benefit and too little safety data, and the NHS advises against herbal remedies when you are trying to get pregnant.

Does acupuncture improve IVF success?

Not when compared with sham acupuncture: a 2021 review found no difference in pregnancy or live birth rates. Some reviews comparing it with no extra treatment report gains, so the evidence is mixed.

Can Chinese medicine improve fertility?

Good evidence is lacking. Cochrane found insufficient evidence for herbs in women with PCOS, and trials of acupuncture in IVF have not shown a clear benefit.

Is acupuncture safe during IVF?

Few complications are reported when it is done properly with sterile, single use needles. Tell your IVF clinic before you start.

Can massage help you get pregnant?

We found no good research showing that massage helps you get pregnant.

Sources

Questions about TCM alongside your fertility care? Speak to your fertility specialist first.

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